I need help identifying this pocket knife

[Jonnyadler]

I got is knife out of a storage unit and I wanted to find out about it. On one tang there is just "USA" and on the other just 3 serial numbers. Please see the pictures. Anyone know who made it, when it was made, etc?

Thanks, Jon

[big monk]

Jon____looks like an Imperial (Prov RI USA) Jack knife with black celluloid handles,similar to the one below__some more of the guys,more familiar with the Imperial brand,should be along soon__Monk

[tjmurphy]

The first number is a patent number issued to Imperial
http://www.google.com/patents?id=-2daAA ... &q&f=false

[jerryd6818]

Edit: Forgot my manners again. Welcome to AAPK Jon.

It's what's commonly called a 'shell knife', meaning the handles and bolsters are integral and stamped from thin sheet metal. Once stamped to shape and the handle portion is covered with a thin sheet of (usually) Celluloid, the handle/bolster assembly is attached to the knife frame using bend over tabs as seen when looking at the knife from the end. The numbers on the tang are not serial numbers but patent numbers. I'm going to take a wild guess here and say the knife is pre-WWII. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[Jonnyadler]

Thank you everyone so much for all help, I really appreciate it.

Regards,

Jon

[jase rose]

i received this knife as a gift from my wife on her trip to Italy. She didn't know what she bought and neither do I.
I've spent hours searching for a description to no avail. What is it and what is it's use?

[Classic Case]

I believe it's a razor knife. I don't think I'd try to shave with it though.

[knife7knut]

It is sometimes referred to as a,"one-armed man's knife" in that the blade can be opened by by catching the protruding edge of the blade on the material of your pants(or the like) and pulling it open.The blade profile is referred to as a razor shape.

[rangerbluedog]

+1 on what CC said. It's a razor pattern. Some call it a "one armed man's" pattern.
The thought is that you can hook the end of the main blade on the edge of your pocket and open the knife with one hand.
I have a few of them, and I really like the pattern. I agree, I wouldn't use it for shaving.... (don't ask how I know)
Here's one of mine.

<edit> haha K7K, you beat me!